State to undertake EIS on major project

An environmental impact statement (EIS) has been released for the $4.2 billion South Galilee thermal coal project in Central Queensland.

The project, about 170 km west of Emerald, will create approximately 2,900 jobs during construction and operation if it proceeds.

The Deputy Premier and the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the project has an estimated mine life of 33 years and could mine up to 17 million tonnes of coal per year for the global export market.

“The AMCI and Alpha Coal joint venture has advised that it will employ around 1,600 people during the two year construction phase of the project and up to 1,290 workers when the mine is operational,” he said.

“Add those jobs to the flow-on jobs that will be created in the regions to service this major project and it’s clear this project bring major employment and economic benefits to Queensland.”

Coordinator-General Barry Broe declared the project a ‘significant project’ under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (Qld).